As a leader in economic development in this region, SEDC believes it is our mission to not only support the entrepreneur by offering financing projects to start and expand businesses, but to also support other economic development initiatives in the region. We do this by providing financial support to the organizations listed below whose mission is to foster a strong entrepreneurial eco system in Siouxland.
Economic Development Investments
Ken Beekley Honorary Scholarship
Ken Beekley Honorary Scholarship – to honor Ken Beekley after 43 years of developing and managing Siouxland Economic Development Corporation, the Board of Directors established a scholarship in his honor. This scholarship is awarded to a deserving Morningside University student in an entrepreneurship program or student organization.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) at WITCC and Iowa Lakes Community College
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) at WITCC and Iowa Lakes Community College - The Iowa Small Business Development Centers provide services designed to help small businesses grow and thrive in today's economy. Along with free one-on-one business counseling, they provide other practical business services that may include market research, business education classes, financial advising, and more.
The SBDC at Western Iowa Tech Community College serves small business needs in Cherokee, Crawford, Ida, Monona, Plymouth and Woodbury counties.
Todd Rausch, Small Business Development Center Director
todd.rausch@witcc.edu or 712.317.3406
Sioux City Campus, Corporate College
Request Counseling: https://iowasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/signup
The SBDC at Iowa Lakes Community College serves small business needs in Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, Sioux O’Brien, Clay, and Palo Alto Counties.
Larry Wajda, Small Business Development Center Regional Director
lwajda@iowalakes.edu or 712.580.8619
Spencer Campus, Iowa Lakes Community College
Request Counseling : https://iowasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/signup
Briar Cliff University Enactus
Briar Cliff University Enactus – Enactus (Entrepreneurial Action in Us) is a student organization which undertakes various projects to promote entrepreneurship. Their robust programing includes Entrepalooza (Love a Local, Business Blender, Swimming with the Sharks pitch competition), Tanzania project, Connect20 and regional and national Enactus competitions. Most recently the Tanzania project planned and funded the construction of an agricultural canal that allows that provides over 300 families with a sustainable water source that is necessary for them to raise chickens, tilapia, and grow bananas to feed their families. Access to a sustainable water source will eventually enable them to expand their food supplies so they can sell produce for profit or trade. The Connect20 project partners BCU Enactus with Ho-Chunk community to offer business education and resources.
https://www.briarcliff.edu/current-chargers/get-involved/student-organizations/enactus
Morningside Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization (CEO)
Morningside Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization (CEO) – This is a student organization that undertakes programming to support entrepreneurial development of students and Siouxland. Morningside CEO plans and hosts Morningside’s Case Competition, CEO in the Classroom, Entrepreneurship in Residence, and several Lunch and Learn events. The school of Business is also in the midst of developing and launching an entrepreneurship minor and non-credit entrepreneurship curriculum that CEO will actively participate in with business & marketing plan competitions.
https://www.facebook.com/morningside.busn
https://www.instagram.com/msideceo/
Iowa's West Coast Initiative
Iowa’s West Coast Initiative – The economic development organizations in Plymouth, Monona and Woodbury counties are working together to increase entrepreneurial activity in northwest Iowa and support small business growth. In an effort to build the culture entrepreneurs need to succeed, the regional partners are hosting networking events for entrepreneurs to make key connections, organizing business idea competitions for a chance to win startup capital, providing specialized educational programs and technical assistance, and identifying new resources and programs that will benefit local entrepreneurs.
The Siouxland Initiative (TSI)
The Siouxland Initiative (TSI) - Founded in 1988, The Siouxland Initiative (TSI) is a private sector, not-for-profit regional economic development organization focused on increasing and enhancing employment opportunities in the tri-state region of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Dedicated to a triangulated strategy of business recruitment, business retention, and the promotion of entrepreneurship, TSI works closely with the public sector economic development professionals who represent the states, municipalities, and counties that comprise our Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The public/private alliance that has been developed between TSI and the regional economic development partners has proven invaluable to Siouxland’s ability to achieve our shared objectives.
Sioux City Farmer's Market (SCFM)
Sioux City Farmer’s Market (SCFM) - The Market began as a small gathering in 2009 with just a few vendors and has grown into an event enjoyed by tens of thousands of people throughout the years. The mission of SCFM is to help improve the quality of life in Siouxland by providing the community with fresh local produce, delicious food, and unique handcrafted goods. The Market continues to offer an assortment of fresh produce, delicious food, handcrafted items and live music.
https://www.facebook.com/SiouxCityFarmersMarket
Sioux City Growth Organization
Sioux City Growth Organization – Siouxland Growth Organization (SGO) was formed in 2002 (formerly Sioux City GO) to encourage young professionals to become active members of the Siouxland community. They encourage progressive and innovative ideas, and bring together voices from all generations to create a positive impact on the future of our community. Their goal is to attract and retain young professionals in the area, by providing insight on what Siouxland has to offer and how they can get involved in shaping its future.